Our ambition is for an inclusive West Midlands that works for everyone.
That's why we have become the first ever community partner for Naidex - one of the biggest disability community events in the UK.
This year's event takes place between 25 and 26 March at the NEC Birmingham.
This partnership reflects our commitment to championing disabled people’s voices, removing societal barriers, and shaping a future where everyone can thrive.
It builds on the work of our recently released report - Making the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People.
We have appointed Dr Mark Fosbrook PLY, who represented Great Britain at the 1996 Paralympics in volleyball, and World Championships in both wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball, as Disability Inclusion Manager to lead advocacy across the West Midlands and within our organisation.
And Mark has long championed Naidex as an event to further the cause for greater inclusion.
He said: "I have attended for many years and see how valuable it is to unite disabled people in such an exceptional exhibition.
"The breadth of providers, suppliers, services, and equipment makes it easy for disabled people to find out what they need/would benefit from.
"It is also great to hear from amazing speakers and panel discussions.
"However, I have always felt something was missing: a space where everyone's ideas and voices could truly be heard.
"This year, WMCA aims to change that with the introduction of the Conversation Corner."
Why this partnership matters
We are proud to partner with Naidex to create a dedicated space for disabled people, carers, friends, family members and professionals to share their ideas about what the future should look like.
Right now, disabled people face significant inequalities across many areas of life.
We have heard countless examples of negative experiences and unfair treatment as we shaped the regional ambition to make the West Midlands an Exemplary Region for Disabled People.
If you would like to share stories, either positive or negative, please use our Stories QR Code to send us an email, WhatsApp message, voice note, video or text.
Conversation Corner
During Naidex, we want to focus on building a better future for disabled people – with you.
We want to hear your ideas and solutions, learn what would make a positive difference in your life.
In an ideal world where everything met and exceed your needs, what would it look like?
Now that is a long term idea that seems so far off, it can be hard to think of.
However, if there was one thing you would do differently to make it ‘work for you’ what would it be?
Your insights matter. We want to use these ideas along with others, combined with the experiences and information we already have collected, to directly influence how we shape future work on:
- Transport
- Employment
- Skills
- Housing
- Health
- Social Care
- Wellbeing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- …and any other areas important to you.
Over the two days of Naidex, we want to hear your amazing, practical and imaginative ideas about changes that would make particular parts of your life better.
How your input will be used
As the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are working together to make the West Midlands the best place to Live, Work and Visit as a disabled person. The information you share will help shape what that could look like.
We also recognise that Naidex welcomes visitors from across the UK. With that in mind, we will share all ideas and experiences with colleagues across the country so that learning can go further than our region.
We will not collect any personal data unless you explicitly choose to provide it.
Find out the latest updates
If you would like to stay connected and hear about our work on inclusive communities and Making the West Midlands an Exemplary region for Disabled People, then you can sign up to our distribution list to be kept up to date with what is happening.